So what is left?
3 more weeks of August glory we all hope (and feel). High’s up over 30 degrees, water tempature soaring, cottages, hotels, camping all booked almost solid. So get out there and enjoy one of Canada’s best and longest beaches. Skip a stone, catch a tan, do what you do.

What about September?
It’s a well kept secret, but i’m letting it out right now. Grand Bend is an amazing place to be in September. You lose out on the giant party if that’s your thing, but what you end up with is this amazing little beach town, with quality restaurants still open, temperatures that are often still perfect for hitting the (now almost empty) beach with a book and a feel that says “ahhhh…this is relaxing”.

Bottom line: If you can find a place in August and want the summer vibe go for it. But if you are looking for a great deal and a lot of relaxing September is the month for you. Check your farmer’s almanac but more often than not the Bend is plenty glorious for the last 21 days of the summer….and I don’t mean August.

If this was any indication of the summer still left it’s bound to be an amazing one.  Check out some photos from last weekend a quick ice cream challenge that took place.  

Busy July Beach in Grand Bend

Keeping you safe and the boats away as always are Grand Bend’s best.  Wearing Tommy these days…who knew?

Grand Bend's Finest Life Guards

Ice Cream Challenge
The ice cream challenge was tough because it was hard ice cream vs. soft ice cream, which really isn’t fair to compare.  We tried to go to Dutch Boy…but who knew the Boy is gone and Frosty has moved in!  Well frosty feels a lot like the dutch boy and the ice cream was great.  Between us we had Bubble Gum (the traditional Blue one with real chunks), Cookie Dough & Birthday Cake.  Sure the purists say those may not be the most ‘true’ flavours, but it’s 2008, it is what it is, and that was delicious!

Wait a sec...you're not Dutch Boy. But you are quite tasty...

The Dairy Dip of course is a Grand Bend institution.  But we usually go for soft ice cream here.  Do you want it mixed, swooped with Caramel or Chocolate or maybe sprinkled with delicious flakes?  Not for me, on this front I’m a Vanilla purist.  I boycott the Dairy Queen across the street because Dairy Dip has been here for 48 years and i’m hoping 48 more.  For soft ice cream it can’t be beat, so stay true and support the classic Grand Bend summer day treat…it’s tough to beat. 

Dairy Dip - Delicious since 1960

Other sites from last weekend (Golf, Games on the Beach, General Glory)

Golfing at Ironwood - 15 minutes from Grand Bend

Water Games...these guys were good!

Volley Ball, Families & Generally Beautiful People

Sunset in Grand Bend...click on this photo to see what it really looks like!

A quick Google search reveals a MUCH more relevant site. My only problem is this site is very technical (note: For Grand Bend just use the Detroit colour).

source: http://coastwatch.glerl.noaa.gov/cwdata/lct/glsea.gif

The Non Technical Analysis:
Consider a slightly less technical analysis but more what you might be seeking.  The water is fantastic for July and August.

1. Water for Kids
Kids don’t seem to understand cold. So if you are wondering ‘can my kids handle this water’ the answer is yes.  I’d say from May 15 – October 1 your kids can swim, although to lessen teeth chattering stick with June 15 – Sept 20.

2. Water for Adults
In a typical May / June time frame, you aren’t spending too long in the water. By July and especially August the water is glorious. It’s not ‘like soup’. But who wants a lake like “Soup”? You’ll be hot on the beach and Lake Huron is almost always refreshing. Not cold mind you. Refreshing.  September is also nice (which can vary year to year of course).  You have to be more committed to hit the water in October.

3. For Teens+
Who knows really. Even when I was a teen I wasn’t sure what I would like, or be interested in from one day to the next and I can only assume it’s the same today (many years later). They’ll swim when they feel like it, but not if they don’t want to get their hair wet that day.

Hopefully global visitors looking to come to visit beautiful Grand Bend will decide for themselves, but I certainly stand by the fact that you don’t have to be a rugged Canadian to enjoy these glorious summer waters, they are great for Anybody. So come rent and relax and swim in one of Canada’s best cottage rental areas: The Bend.

And while I’ve listed some of the best things to do in the Bend I would suggest having some fun, letting loose and getting creative with it.  For example how about a challenge out of pure indulgence, joy and fun!?  
In Summary:  It’s time for Fry-Off 2008
Your kids will love it.  Your teenager will love it.  You’ll love it!  In fact, the only person who might not love it is the person constantly nagging at you not to eat junk food.  

How we did it:  4 Hungry Adults.  1 Small Fries per location.  4 locations.

The Winner:

#1 – Denny’s Drive-In
By a nose the winner is Dennys! (note: American friends…not that Dennys).  The fries weren’t as thick as the strips best but sweet lord what do they soak those in!?   They really ooze up the vinegar and salt and have good skin without being overly skin-like.  A mix of crispy and non crispy, although even the non crispy fries don’t taste too potato-ey.  Overall they were #1 or #2 for everyone. 

#2 – Spud Shaq
My personal favourite, the Shaq was great, although a little too “potato like” for some of our audience who prefer a crisper taste.  Sure there are a few undercooked fries, but on the whole they are a delight living on the edge.  Oh, and if you like a Poutine, then this is the ONLY choice.     

#2b – Cheryl-Ann
I’m not getting much support for this low vote but those who loved Cheryl Ann also gave Denny the #1, so there you go.  Do NOT mistake this for the sad sack Cheryl-Ann that was left for dead in the wake of Denny’s departure.  These guys know how to make fries.  It’s like they are the Spud Shaq + 20 seconds.    

#4 – Eat Za Pizza:  Conclusion:  This is not a french fry stand.  How do they even stay open offering cardboard junk like this?  Ah…maybe it’s the pizza.  Or the late night drunk lineup.  Mental note: Take a look at the fries before you order them.  

In Summary:  Grand Bend has loads to do and while a French Fry eating challenge is likely not on your list, why not come up with your own fun challenge and let Grand Bend be your pallet.  Sunglass challenge? Best fake mustache / Temporary Tatoo combination?  Whatever you can think of. 

Share:  Tell me about your Grand Bend Challenge.  If a Fry challenge is up your alley try some of the other stands and send me your review!

You’ve got B&Bs, Private Cottages, Rooms in Cottages, Hotels, Motels, Camping, Trailors and more…oh my.
So when you start your web search here are a few details about 4 main areas close to town.

Oakwood Park
A great place if you can find a cottage in here. Cottage Owners love there park so you usually need to know someone to find a place here. But there are a lot of rental sites so look and ye maybe shall find. Every cottage is a short walk down to a private beach, the park is lovely with aged old trees overhanging everywhere and you are a walk to the Oakwood Inn golf course & downtown. A family oriented park though so partyers…move on.

Downtown
Wooohooo! Downtown is a walk to the beach and a stones throw to….well, downtown. If you are young and looking to have fun…rent yourself a place anywhere in the downtown area. If you are a family looking for some quiet try to rent something on the South Side of Main St or something tucked at the edges. Places range from party flop cottages to fairly luxury places.

Riverside
I actually made up the name ‘riverside’ so don’t ask for it by name. But you are on the other side of the River that separates Grand Bend so you can’t stumble home drunk from the bar, without walking on the highway road. This means it’s naturally a quieter area, mostly of residents. It’s also right along the Marina near the Art Gallery. If you go to the Beach on ‘this side’ you’ll notice the beach is a bit shorter, much quieter and often a bit shallower.

Southcott Pines
Another Oakwood style community, maybe just a bit less snobby. Mostly family oriented and great access to the beach. The one down fall is you are a bit longer a walk to town (if you consider that a downfall). On the other hand if you know where you are going to you can take walking / bike paths almost all the way to the Pinery. There are lots of places to rent in here so you’ll find partyers whooping it up amongst the mostly family oriented area.

In Summary of where to Rent a Cottage In Grand Bend

Family’s: Everywhere but downtown
Partyers: Downtown

Bottom Line:
You really can’t go wrong and these are only 4 areas. As you travel further south you’ll be in or across from the Pinery Park. Past the park you get to awesome Ipperwash beach, which is close enough that town is a short drive and your cottage rental might be a bit cheaper. The water here is also awesomely shallow for kids.

As you head the other way you may find some great cottage options on the Cliff Dunes of Lake Huron (that’s what I have just named them). Overlooking Lake Huron you’ll walk down a staircase to get to your beach and truly enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this part of the country…with town just a short drive away.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN GRAND BEND

#10 – The Flea Market
Not just any flea market this baby is huge and open Sundays all summer. If you think you’ll never find a pepperette stick too hot for you, you’re wrong. If you’ve been wondering where you can buy a samuri sword, knock off sunglasses, pirated DVDs, nascar leather jackets all within 10 feet of each other….wonder no longer.

#9 – Mini Putt (Village Green)
There are two mini putts, but only the Village Green cracks the top 10 list. There is a huge home court advantage for those who know how to play the sloping track and in and out holes. Let’s just say if you are playing for money, get in some practice!

#8 – Grand Bend Motorplex
Where else can you find people who will strap a jet engine to the back of an ambulance and just let her rip? It’s loud. It’s crazy. It’s the motorplex.

#7 – Huron Country Playhouse
This isn’t your local theatre where the town webmaster also directs the plays. These are imported talented folks who put on a show. The theatre itself, a converted barn also gives a great feel for a great summer night.

#6 – Gables (Grand Bend Bars)
This isn’t a one Bar town but year in year out Gables entertains and Grand Bend nightlife is hopping. Live music, pool, diverse age range, no dancing on speakers (note: Cocos is your choice if you like to speaker dance, but i’m sticking with Gables).

#5 – The Pinery (Bikeride)
One of the best ways to enjoy the Pinery provincial park is on bike. If you can find the off-roading path through the fence it ads a great adventure to your trip. Enjoy nature and the shallow shallow beaches at the pinery (wear / bring a bathing suit)

#4 – Dennys Fries
Not one bar and certainly not one Fry stand. If you’re renting a cottage for a week, then you’ve got time to try Denny’s, the Spud Shaq and whatever du jour place you wish. But if you have only one shot at fries and a footlong dog, there is simply no choice. And act quickly…Denny’s is for sale!

#3 – Starlite Drive In
How many drive in theatres exist in the middle of a field? Not many. The best way to enjoy this is to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a radio. Sit out under fantastic stars watching a great lineup of movies. Get there early…this place is popular.

# 2 – The Beach
I’ve been to beaches in Thailand, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Cuba, France, Spain, Italy and the likes and I’ll put Grand Bend up with all of them. You look out into the infinity, the water isn’t salty and the sand is fine like wine.

# 1 – Sunset at the Beach with a Glass of Wine
Maybe you like champagne or a scotch? Who’s to judge. But schedule your dinner accordingly so you can have a pre or post drink as the sun sets down like a great ball of fire over Lake Huron. If you get the right cloud set you might find what National Geographic did, which is this is one of the World’s Best Sunsets

For renters, tourists and cottage owners alike I’ll be further breaking down some of these great attractions in better detail and talking about some of the things that didn’t make top ten! (For example how does one of Canada’s only Corn Mazes not make the list? And what about Sky Diving and Kite Surfing?

The key factor are the clouds. In my opinion you want those light clouds that are not too tightly wound together. They need to stretch the sky from the waters edge at least half way up. But too much cloud and you lose the sun. Not enough cloud and you don’t get the plethora of colours.

And all too often this particular sunset isn’t quite as riveting as the one you remember most. So a cottage renter or newbie is bound to hear ‘oh this is nothing, you should see when the clouds are like x, or the temperature is like y’.

The best debate of course is did National Geographic ever really say this. That’s every Grand Benders source and yet nobody can quite produce the issue. You certainly can’t google it. But I did find reference to it on Wikipedia.

National Geographic says that Grand Bend has one of the 10 most beautiful sunsets in the world, which is thought to be attributable to the high levels of particulate matter that flow into the area from the Ohio Valley.

Now I don’t know much about Particulate Matter and I’m not about to learn about it. But if Wikipedia said that National Geographic said so, that’s good enough for me.

So if you are renting a cottage in grand bend and enjoying her beaches for the very first time, don’t forget to head down about 15 minutes before sunset with a glass of wine, your camera and some great opinions about what makes one of the world’s best sunsets.

While this Video isn’t of me, it does have a Grand Bend sunset and I do like this version of this song….

Updates: Taken July 2008 with a Digital Elph on ‘auto’ (read: your ordinary camera).  Click on the photo to see what it really looks like!

July in Grand Bend

Beautiful Sunset in Grand Bend Ontario